Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
The bearded all-rounder one determined Dutchman built from scratch — and got right.
Vital stats
| Size | Medium-large · 50–60 cm |
| Weight | 20–27 kg |
| Life expectancy | 12–15 years |
| Energy | High — 60–120 min/day |
| Shedding | Low, with regular brushing |
| Coat | Harsh wire coat · steel grey with brown |
| Group | Sporting · FCI №107 / AKC |
Breed traits
Friendliness
Care
Mind
Temperament
Eduard Korthals bred the Griffon in the 1870s to point, retrieve and swim across any terrain, and the modern dog still wants exactly that job. At home it's affectionate, gentle and keen to cooperate — a people-oriented worker that trains beautifully but needs its energy spent every day.
Habits & quirks
The beard tax
Drinks water, then shares it — with your knees, the floor, the cat.
Check-ins
Even mid-adventure, a Griff circles back to confirm you're still part of the plan.
Weather immunity
Rain that cancels other dogs' walks doesn't register through that coat.
Sofa gravity
All-day stamina outdoors converts to full-contact cuddling indoors.
Care
| Exercise | An hour or more of real work daily — hunting, swimming, fetch or scent games. |
| Grooming | Weekly brushing plus occasional hand-stripping keeps the harsh coat doing its job. |
| Company | Bred to work with you, not for you — long solitary days hollow this breed out. |
| Ears | Drop ears under a wiry coat trap moisture; check weekly, especially after swims. |
Common questions
Are Wirehaired Pointing Griffons good family dogs?
Wonderful ones for active families — gentle, devoted and patient. They need daily exercise and genuine inclusion in family life to stay that way.
Do Griffons shed?
Lightly — the harsh double coat holds most loose hair until it's brushed or stripped out. Low-shedding, not no-shedding.
Does a Griffon need to hunt to be happy?
Not hunting specifically, but it needs work: running, swimming, scent games or training. An outlet for the pointing brain is essential.